Cross-screen picture-transmitting system



Dec. 24, 1929. R. H. RANGER 4 I CROSS SCREEN PICTURE TRANSMITTING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 25, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 X 4 *2 L3 w J7tt/6IZ207 R. H. RANGER CROSS SCREEN PICTURE TRANSMITTING SYSTEM Filed Nov. 25, 1927 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 INVENTOR mum HOWLAND mesa BY} v TTORNEY Patented Dec. 24, 1929 UNITED STATES PATENT OFFICE- RICHABD nowiannaauenn, OF NEWARK, NEW JERSEY, ASSIGNOR TO RADIO CORPORATION OF AMERICA, A CORPORATION OF DELAWARE GROSS-SCREEN PICTURE-TRANSMITTING SYSTEM- Application filed November 25, 1927. Serial No. 235,431.

The present invention relates to an im provement over the type. of picture transmitting, receiving and recording machines such as have been previously used in the art, an example of which is disclosed as a recording machine of the general characteristics illustrated in part in my prior application, Serial N 0. 128,720, filed August 12th, 1926. In the type of machine previously used, the light pick-up device, receiving light from a fixed source of high light intensity through a lens system, was moved back and forth across the surface of the negative being transmitted, and, in conjunction with this light pick-up device, the photo cellwas also moved back and forth'so as to be subjected to various intensities of lightf'and shade of the picture which affect the light pick-up lens system. The light intensity reaching the photo cell was, of course, a direct function of the light and shade in the picture to be transmitted. These systems resulted in producing in the received picture a sort of streaked effect, which was more or less objectionable, and which prevented the reception of a picture which would assume the same pleasing characteristics to the eye as the half-tone, showing practically no line effect, which is so highly desirable in radio picture work.

It is, therefore, an object of my present invention to provide a machine with which it is possible to produce in the received picture, the effect of a half-tone and avoid the objectionable features such as are occasioned by the streaking of the picture, as is, of necessity, produced by the lines being made back and forth continuously, and each corresponding motion of the transmitter and receiver producing a line of the picture which is directly ad acent, above or below the previously recorded line.

Therefore, I have found it highly desirable to produce a marking on the received picture in accordance with the impulses picked up at the transmitter, in which each successive line of the picture will be at an angle. An angle of 90 movement to the preceding line and each to the horizontal is found very satisfactory, although any other desired angle may be used. WVith this arrangement the picture received will assume the effect of a smooth picture and give practically the same visible effect as the attractive half-tone.

Another object of this invention is to pro- -vide a method and means for transmitting facsimiles of opaque or semi-opaque pictures without the necessity of preparing a transparency of the picture to be transmitted.

It is also a further object of this invention to produce a picture transmitting machine 'on which the picture, or other article of which a reproduction is desired at the receiving point, may be directed or guided into the transmitting machine continuously. It will be seen that this is a considerable advantage over the old system, as above described, in which it was necessary to securely fasten a negative of the picture to be transmitted to a drum, through which light was able to pass, since with the system heretofore used it was essential that the machine be stopped and a new negative substituted as soon as was transmitted. However, with the present invention the picture being transmitted may be continuously fed to the transmitting arrangement and considerable time is thus saved in transmission, as the circuits need not be idle for any appreciable length of time.

It is also an object of my invention to produce a transmitting and recording system a picture for pictures in which the recording point or a light source assumes a rotary motion and scans the picture at two different angles at two separate periods of time in contrast to the old machine where the light source and recording device, in the form of a hot air jet or marking pen, which passes transversely or vertically across the picture. By this means I am able to avoid many of the errors which were occasioned in the old form of system and the difiiculties experienced in obtaining proper synchronizing are less mnoying and easier to meet.

Also, a further object of my invention is 5 to record or transmit en a line which is 45f, or any other suitable or desired angle to the advance of the paper strip for the purposes above identified, namely, that of enabling the reproduction to assume the characteristics of the usual half-tone picture.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a plurality of recording points which will follow the paths of the angular line back and forth across the picture and in addition increase the speed of transmission. The speed of transmission and reception, it may be noted, in a machine of thischaracter, may be even double or triple thatof the parallel line scheme described, since, with the parallel 0 line machine heretofore known and of the type above described, it takes approximately six seconds to make one stroke of the light reflecting means across the picture, whereas, with my 45 line system it is possible to accomplish the same travel of the light in 1 seconds and for two 45 strokes, it will thus be seen that the speed is doubled. However, it is possible to improve upon this speed and even possible to increase the speed so that it is as much as four to ten times greater than that of the old system. This is because errors become less important in the new system, due to the fact that the separate points of the pic ture are twice crossed and serve to resection the picture, and effects of static and fading less detrimental.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a moving source of light for energy pick-up purposes, and in accordance with this idea I supply a light from what is known as a doughnut light attached to a rotary light pick-up head, which assumes both a transverse and a rotary motion with respect to the plate supporting the picture.

Another object of my invention is to provide a means whereby I may utilize a source of light of less intensity than has heretofore been advisable for the purpose of reflecting light from the picture to be transmitted to a light sensitive element for the purpose of determining the variations in the light and shade of the picture.

Still another object of my invention is to produce a picture transmitting and receiving apparatus in which there is increased accuracy in the transmission and reception of the picture in question due, in part, to increased freedom from fading and static disturbances, since the analyzing light source is made to approach each portion of the picture from two different angles at two different times. The fading characteristics or the static disturbances are usually not at all the same at these two different times and, therefore, little difficulty is encountered from static or fading meme since if either fading or static is bad at one time the transmission characteristics will undoubtedly be better at the other time and at least one satisfactory marking impulse of each point in the picture will be produced at the receiver.

Another object is to produce a picture which will be more pleasingnto the eye and more definitely defined than was the case with the horizontal or vertical line reproduction, as in the pictures heretofore described. This pleasing effect upon the eye is produced by making the lines of the built-up picture, as above stated, at an angle to each other, so that they correspond in a measure to the bias line in regular photo engraving and produce the effect of a half-tone.

Still another object of my invention is to provide a lens system for directing the reflected light rays from the picture as parallel rays of light and thus assure maintaining proper focus between two foci which are continually changing with respect to their distance apart.

Still a further object of my invention is to produce a picture transmitting and receiving system which is capable of producing a picture at the receiver which bears the appearance of a composite photograph having the separate lines woven in and out at an angle to each other, and in which each separate set of lines consists of a series of parallel lines at an angle to another set of parallel lines.

A still further object of my invention is to.

produce a picture transmitting machine which may be changed into a receiving machine by merely substituting a light control apparatus at the point where the light sensitive photo cell is preferably located, so that light from an external source may be periodically controlled in accordance with incoming signal pulses and passed as parallel beams through a lens system to effect a light sensitive film, which would then be substituted for the continuous picture strip.

' Still another object of my invention is to provide a method and apparatus for the transmission and reproduction of pictures, by the use of which amore faithful and exact repro' duction of the original is obtained.

Other objects of my invention are to provide in the manner hereinafter set forth a picture transmitting system which is simple in its construction and arrangement of parts, one which is highly durable, compact, efficient in its use, conveniently operated, readily set up, substantially fool-proof, comparatively inexpensive to install, as well as capable of increasing the speed and accuracy of the transmitter picture to a high degree.

The novel features which I believe to be characteristic of my invention are set forth in the appended claims. The invention itself, however, both as to its organization and method of operation, together with further with two angular slots, of

objects "and advantages thereof, will best be understood by reference to'the following description when read in connection with the accompanying drawings, wherein Fig. l is a perspective view showing the front and side portions of the preferred embodiment of my apparatus, which I have found to be very eflicient;

Fig. 2 is a back view showing the curved semi-circular plate picture support which is provided with 45 slots adapted to permit light from the doughnut light source to be reflected from the picture arranged to ad- Vance above the light upon the curved plate surface;

Fig. 3 is a diagram showing the principleof operation of my device and a conventional embodiment of the lens arrangement for projecting the light as parallel light beams;

Fig. 4 shows a preferred form of rotary light pick-up head together with the commutator and brush arrangement, as well as the guide sleeve for guiding the transverse motion of the rotarylight pick-up head;

and, v

' Fig. 5 illustrates in a rather conventional manner the-direction of the separate scanning paths across the picture surface in two directions and forming a group of parallel lines of scanning in each direction.

To now make reference to the accompanying drawings, the invention essentially consists of a rotary light source revolving beneath a fixed semi-circular plate provided which a 45 arrangement is found very practical, running from the front side to the back side of the plate, andthe picture to be transmitted is placed directly above the plate. Light refiected fromthe picture is projected as parallel beams through a rotary drum and lens system to a light responsive cell one end of the rotary drum.

To now make specific reference to Fig. 1 of the drawings, disclosing a preferred form of my invention, which Iwish to be understood is shown for the purpose of disclosing a concrete example of mysystem, although the same is capable of various modifications and changes such as fall fairly within the disclosure and scope of the appended claims; the arrangement shown is adapted" to be driven by a motor (1) arranged and supported upon one end of a base (2). The motor shaft (3) is connected through a gear reduction mechanism (4) to drive through any preferred form of gearing, a cam shaft The cam shaft (5) is supported at either end by upright support members (6) and (7) forming the entire support for the rotary drum and associated light pick-up head as well as the semi-circular plate 14 provided with the 45 grooves, together with the picture advancing drive mechanism. The

arranged at collars (8) and (9) and two other collars h (not shown) on the opposite side of the frame supports (6) and (7) hold the cam shaft (5) securely in pisition so that any lateral motion thereof is prevented. Driven from the cam shaft (5) by a pinion (not shown) is the large helical gear member (10) having an outstanding sleeve portion for connection through the frame work support 7) to drive the rotary cylinder (11). The gear (10) forms a collar against the support (7) so as to prevent lateral motion of inder '(11) as well as a bearing for one end thereof. The left end of the rotary cylinder (11) ,(looking at Fig. 1) is supported in a bearing in the support 6), and a collar (12) which is fastened to the rotary cylinder (11) prelyents any lateral motion thereof to the rig t.

Rigidly mounted on the frame Work or supports (6) and (7 and extending a small distance outwardly therefrom are the annular support members (13) (only one of which is shown by Fig.1) which are fastened to the supports (6) and (7) in any preferred manner. Securely attached to the annular support member (13) is the curved or semicircular shaped elongated plate member (14), provided with slots (15) and (16) arranged at 45 to each other. It is over this semi-circular shaped plate member (14) that the picture is adapted to pass.

The means by which the picture is ad vanced with respect to the semi-circular plate member (14) preferably consists of a series of endless belts (20), which are preferably formed of fabric and mounted around a series of rollers or drive members (17), (18) and (19). v

To now describe the driving means for the two endless belts (20)}11011I1t8d around the drive rollers (17), (18) and (19) carried by the spindles of shafts (21), (22) and (23) respectively, the same consists of a series of worms and gears supported by brackets and shafting outwardly from the frame or supports (6) and (7 and driven from the cam shaft (5) which derives its rotational powers from the motor-and combined gearing (4). To specifically enumerate the gear trains for driving the shaft (22), which we may consider as the prime mover for the series of belts and associated shaftings, the worm (24) is fixedly mounted on the over-hanging end of the cam shaft (5),-adjacentfto collar member (8). The worm (24) drives a small pinion (25) which is securely mounted to the shaft (26) carried by the bracket members (27) and (28) mounted upon the upright support (6). On the over-hanging end of the shaft (26) extending beyond the bracket (28) is the worm member (29) adapted to drive a small pinion loosely mounted on the end of the shaft (22), which over-hangs the support The pinion (30) on the overanging portion of the shaft (22), whereon ing the pinion (30) between the adjusting nutand the collar member (not shown) on the over-hanging portion of the shaft (22). This provides a mounting for the pinion (30) which is equivalent to mounting rigidly on the shaft (22) so that the shafts and belts may bedriven at a reduced speed and also,

an additional feature that the drive may be stopped by-merely loosening the adjusting nut 31. i j

It may thus be seen that by means of the worm and associated pinion driving system for the belt drive mechanism, consisting of the series of belts (20) and the belts are driven at a considerably reduced speed from that of the cam shaft (5), and, in fact, the speed reduction is such that the belt will advance the picture across plate 14) only about one one-hundredth of an inch for each revolution of the rotary cylinder (.11) as will later be described. The picture to be transmitted is placed upon the curved plate member (14), which is provided with the two 45 slots (15) and (16) and is slowly advanced with respect to the slots by means of the belts (20), as

driven from the shafts (22), and, it will be observed, the picture is at all times advancing very slowly with respect to the slots (15) and (16) in the fixed semi-circular shaped plate member (14).

For the purpose of adjusting the tension of the belts with respect to the plate (14) a means is provided in the rear of the supports (6) and (7 and consists of a free mounting of the shaft (21) in the rear of the supports (6) and (7) upon brackets members (32) and These bracket members (32) and (33) are Carried in slides (34) and (35) which are rigidly fastened to the support members (6) and (7 Fastened to the bracket members (34) and (35) are a pair of outstanding lug members (36) and (37) carrying adjusting screws (38) and These adjusting screws (38) and (39) are knurled on the end and have an extended portion fitting into the slides for guides (32) and (33) provided with collars (not shown) to prevent them from being readily dislodged. The brackets (32) and may be drawn backward or pushed forward, for the purpose of tensioning the belts upon rotation of the. thumb screws (38) and (39). This provides a simple but efficient means for adjusting the tension of the belts (20) with respect to the plate (14) and thus secure a more positive means for advancing the picture to be transmitted.

The means by which the paper carrying the picture to be transmitted is advanced with respect to the semi-circular plate member (14) provided with a 45 slot (15) and (16) now having been described, I will endeavor to completely describe the mechanism by which light is picked up or reflected from the picture for the purpose of effecting the light sensitive apparatus associated with the energy transmitting system, which may consist of any preferred form of arrangement, such as has been described in several of my previous applications, of which I offer Serial No .726,- 235, filed July 16th, 1924, as an example.

As has been above described, the rotary cylinder (11), carrying the lens arrangement is driven from the cam shaft and associated gear ,(11) at 'a considerably reduced speed from that of the cam shaft. At dia metrically opposite points the rotary cylinder (11) is provided with guide slots (40) extending longitudinally thereof, and in these slots a rotary light pick-up head, generally designated (41), is adapted to be moved. The rotary light pick-up head (41) is mounted about the cylinder (11) and is adapted to slide thereover by means of a series of rollers (42) mounted by the bracket member (43) placed at various points about the circumference of the light pick-up head. A second series of rollers (44) is mounted upon brackets (45) extending outwardly from the rotary light pick-up head (41). These rollers form a guide for the light pick-up head in its longitudinal motion with respect to rotary cylinder (11) and provide an anti-friction bearing surface for the light pick-up head against the edges-of the slots (40).

The rotary light pick-up head (41) is provided atdiametrically opposite points with openings (46) directly above which a doughnut light (see Fig. 4) is placed. This light is for the purpose of forming a light source for exploring the picture and reflecting light therefrom to a lens mechanism or arrangement associated with the photo cell or other light sensitive medium to be later described.

I will now endeavor to explain how the rotary light pick-up head is moved with respect to the rotary cylinder or drum (11). The cam shaft (5) which is supported by the supports (6) and (72 is provided with a reverse spiral groove 47) over which a guide sleeve (48) is mounted. The guide sleeve (48) is provided on its inner portion with a pin (not shown) which is adapted to slide in the spiral groove (47) For each rotation of the cam shaft (5) the guide sleeve (48) is adapted to be moved longitudinally thereon by reason of the-pin on the sleeve sliding in the groove. As the guide sleeve (48) comes to the end of one longitudinal motion of the reverse spiral groove (47) on the cam shaft -it immediately reverses the direction of the guide sleeve (48) whereupon it travels longitudinally of the cam shaft (5) in the opposite direction. Byv reason of the rotary light pick-up head (41) being fixed on the I light pick-up'at the same speed as therotating drum (11). The rotary light pick-up head (41) is also provided near one edge with a groove or slot (49) extending about the circumference thereof. In this groove (49) a pin (50) extending outwardly from the cam guide sleeve (48) is adapted to slide. This pin (50) (more clearly shown in Fig. 4) is capable of adjustment by means of a pair of roller bearings in the pin so that it may be adjusted for wear andalways provides a tight fitting sliding contact with the grooved or slotted portion (49) of the rotary light pick-up head (41). It may thus'be seen that as the rotary light pick-up head turns with the rotating cylinder (11) it also receives a motion longitudinally of the cylinder or rotating member (11) by reason of the pin (50) attached to cam guide sleeve (48) running in the slot (49) which is extended circumferentially of the light pick-up head (41), since the longitudinal motion of the light'pick-up head 41) on cylinder (11) is provided by the slot (40). To prevent the cam guide sleeve (48) from turning'with a motion of thecam shaft (5), a spindle (51) is rigidly mounted beneath the cam shaft and secured to the supports (6) and (7). On either side of the spindle (51) and extending downwardly from the cam guide sleeve (48) are a pair of pins (5-2) which prevents the cam guide sleeve (48) from rotating to the cam shaft, but which form a rolling contact with a spindle for longitudinal motion of sleeve (48) with respect thereto.

To now describe the path which the light positioned above the opening (46) in the rotary light pick-up head (41) traces, let us assume that the opening 46) has come to a position such asindicated by A on Fig. 2. As the light pick-up head (41) is'rotated and giyena longitudinal motion with respect to the rotating cylinder or drum (11) by means of the gear (10) and cam shaft (5), it will be seen that the opening (46) and the light associated therewith will trace a path along the slotted plate member (14) which corresponds to the path indicated by the arrow on slot (15) and being downward from left to right viewing Fig. 2. At the time when the opening (46) has reached the lowermost portion of the slot (15) of the semi-circular plate (14) a corresponding opening (46) diametrically opposite that shown in Fig. 1

has reached a position marked B on Fig. 2, and as the motion of the light pick-up head is reversed, with respect to the previous longitudinal motion along cylinder (11), the second opening (46) and associated light will then trace a path along slot (16) downward from right to left, starting at the point B and following a path as designated by the arrow adjacent slot (16). It is thus seen that if a picture to be transmitted is resting or supported-upon the semi-circular plate (14) so as to be moved gradually forward by the belts (20) that a light directly above either opening (46) of the rotary light pick-up head (41) will reach all portions of the picture twice, first by a downward movement from left to right and then again at a later period of time by a downward motion from right to left. This motion repeats itself again and again and, as the picture is continuously advanced by reason the belt drive (20) moving the same forward, the picture will gradually be explored by the light associated by the opening (46) so that all portions of the picture are in turn twice subjected to the influence of the light. This scanning motion with respect-to the picture surface has been illustrated more particularly by Fig. 5' of the drawings wherein'the first line of scanning follows the direction of the arrow along the path leg'ended as 1 and is downward across the surface of the picture in a direction from left to right. The next path has been legended as 2 and is in a direction downward across the picture from right to left, as shown, and the following lines appear in order as numbered on Fig. 5 wherein the odd numerals represent the scanning across the picture surface in a downward directionfrom left to right and the even numerals represent the downward scanning from right to left across the picture surface, but in considering the motion which the scanning mechanism traces all numbers on Fig. 5 should be read in their consecutive order regardless of whether they are shown as odd or even so that the true relationship of the respective scanning paths surface in two directions and intersect each I have not intended to indicate the true spac-, ing of the separate scanning paths but merely a relative arrangement and position.- This light which reaches the pictures is reflected therefrom so that it may be passed through the lens systems to be hereinafter described.

It is a known fact that conditions of static and fading vary greatly for different periods of time and, therefore, by subjecting each portion of the picture to the light at different periods of time accurate reception of the impulses at a remote point is made doubly certain over the systems recording by lines adjacent each other and successively reproduced.

I will now endeavor to explain, by making reference to Fig. 3 illustrating a schematic diagram of the light pick-up means, how light which is reflected in the picture to be transmitted is directed to the light sensitive photo cell or equivalent apparatus for controlling the current flow in a transmitting system in proportion to the intensity of light and shade in the picture. As has been before stated, a doughnut light (53) is adapted to rest over eachopening-(46) in the rotary light pick-up head (41) and direct its rays toward the picture resting upon the slotted plate member (14) so that only a single point of the picture is illuminated at any instant The doughnut light is preferably secure to the rotary light pick up head by means of a large clip (62) fastened to the head. This clip has a series of projecting points which are folded or bent around the light and form supporting means for same. Light from the doughnut light (53) reaching any onepoint of the picture is reflected through the center of the light to a lens mechanism generally designated as (54), since the specific structure of the lens forms no part of the present invention. The lens (54) is so arranged that the surface of the picture resting upon the plate (14) and above slots (15) and (16)- is at the principal focus of the lens. Light, such as is'reflected from the picture to reach the lens (54) is then directed to a prism (55), mounted upon a bracket member (56) carried inside the rotary light pick-up head (41), as parallel light beams and turned at right angles to lens (54). The deflected light beam is then directed to a lens (57) of long focus where the image pick-up is considerably magnified. These magnified beams of light as reflected from the picture passing over the semi-circular plate member (14) are then directed to a shutter mechanism (58) from which they are led into a large lens (59). Arranged at the focus of lens (59) is a photo cell enerally designated (60) arranged outwar ly from the machine proper and at the axis of the rotating cylinder (11). The photo cell (60) is contained in a light-proof casing (61). The lens system (57), (58) and (59) is mounted at the end of cylinder (11) within the center portion of the gear (10) which forms a collar to prevent the cylinder from being moved transversely of itself. Dueto mounting this lens system Within a large gear (10) the entiresystem is at all times rotating and at identically same speed as the rotary cylinder (11). Both systems of lens shown in Fig.3 are similar and although but one system is described two are shown since it is the object of the present invention to scan the picture twice, that is, downward left or right and then downward right to left and one lens system is operable for each scanning movement, as has been described. The lens systems at all times rotating with the cylinder (11) and each system alternately receives.

a reflected beam of light from the picture by means of the two diametrically opposite openings (46) in the rotary light pick-up head (41), and the system which operates depends upon what longitudinal motion of the rotary light pick-u head has with respect to cylinder (11). t may also be observed that any light reaching the photo cell (60) from the picture, is directed as a parallel beam through the center of the cylinder (11) to the photo cell, by reason of the above described prismand lens system. This parallel light beam is highly advantageous since with the separate lenses are at all times changing their distance apart, due to the longitudlnal motion of the light pick-up head .(41) and cylinder (11) it prevents the focus point being changed.

Associated with the photo cell (60) in the container (61) and in the portion thereof designated as (62) is an amplifying device of any convenient form such as'T have above indicated as being somewhat similar to those disclosed in previous co-pending applications, and which is dependent for its operation upon the variation in current flowing through the photo cells due to the variation and intensity of light reaching the same. I

To now refer more specifically to Fig. 4 and to the means by which the picture is illuminated, as has been above described, the light source consists of a"doughnut light which is mounted by the clip (62) above the opening (46) in the rotary light pick-up head (41). Since there are two lights (53) it is useless and inadvisable to keep both of these lights illuminated at the same time and I have, therefore, arranged that one end of the light pick-up head (41) a commutator segment (68) which is insulated from the end of the light pick-up head (41) nearest to end ing into lens (59) however, is provided with two portions, each extending portion half way around the light pick-up head and insulated from the other. Supported on the guide sleeve (48) which is carried backward and forward and drives the light pick-up head (41) longitudinally of the cylinder (11) are mounted a pair of brushes (67) for forming electrical contact with the two commutator segments above described. These brushes are supported from angular brackets (68) securely fastened to the cam guide sleeve (48) and connect to any suitable source of power, such as, for example, a 12 volt battery (not shown) to furnish current to light the light (53). There is also a connection between each light 53) and the ring (65) and the connection between either light (53) and one split ring (66),-so that as each successive light is rotated with the pick-up head (41) to be brought beneath either slot (15) or (16) of the cylindrical plate 14), it will be illuminated and the opposite light, which is away from the plate (14) will be turned off.

By having these lights (53) directly beneath the picture being transmitted, it is possible to use-a less intense light than has heretofore been practical with the old form of machine, as has previously been disclosed by my other co'pending application s.

While I have not herein illustrated a typipected utilizing a transmitting and receivmg system of the character disclosed, 1t 1s to be understood that from the results of exper ments and usage the picture is developed in line formation, in whichv there are two sets of parallel lines, each set being at an angle about 45 to the other set. This produces a picture in which there is the appearance of the desirable half-tone and a made up of a series of separate lines woven in and out. Each portion of the picture is twice subjected to transmission and reproduction and the detrimental effects of static and fading are largely eliminated; In order to convert the machine illustrated in the various parts of the drawing into a receiving system, the only changes necessary are to provide an external source of light and substitute a shutter or equivalent mechanism for the photo cell (61). In this case light from,the external source will be directed towards'the lens (59) and thence to lenses (57) '(55) and (54) where it is focused upon a light sensitive strip continuously advanced upon plate 14). The amount of light passis controlled by the shutter mechanism by means of the signal pulses received, in any desired manner.

However, the preferred form of recording device comprises a series of air guns of the character disclosed by co-pendingapplications, Serial No. 128,720, filed August 12th, 1926, and arranged within a rotary head movpicture which is ing transversely of and rotating with a cylinder similar to cylinder (11) herein described, asis more completely described in my application Serial No. 245,350, filed Jan. 9, 1928. In the case where theair recording is resorted to, I prefer to utilize a heat sensitive recording paper preferably of the character disclosed by my co-pending application filed as a joint application with Richard S. Bicknell, Serial No. 303,108, filed Aug. 30, 1928, I

It is, also, possible to utilize the principles herein disclosed in various other modifications such as will become readily-apparent to those skilled in the art, and I, therefore, desire .to be limited by my disclosure only in so far as is made necessary by the readin the'broad sense as defined above to includethe various objects given by way of example cal example of the results which may be ex-' and others as will be understood by those skilled in the art.

transmission of'pictures, facsimile and the like, it is to be understood that wire or wired radio systems for transmitting picture impulse energy from one point to another are to be recognized as being the full equivalents of the radio transmission, inasmuch as the invention per se is not predicated upon the use of radio as a transmitting medium.

Having thus described my invention, I am entitled to all modifications thereof that fairlyfall within its spiritand scope as defined by the following claims; wherein I claim 1 The-steps in the method of transmitting pictures, which includes, scanning a picture first in one direction with one scanning system and at a later the picture in a different second scanning systemf i 2. The steps in the method of transmitting pictures, which includes, scanning-the pie direction with 'a ture in one direction and again scanning the picture independently of the'first scanninglight sensitive medium in accordance with the variations in the intensity of light and shade at each separate point in said picture.

4. The method of analyzing pictures for transmission, which includes, scanning a picture point for point in one direction, scanning the picture point for point in a second direction bearing an angular relationship to said first named direction and independent of the first scanning coordinating each of the said scanning directions with each other to alternately subject each point of said picture to a double scanning, first in one direction and then in the other.

5. The steps in the method of analyzing pictures for transmission, which includes, alternately and in dependently scanning the picture in two directions bearing an angular re lationship to each other.

6. The method of avoiding the effect of static and fading of signals in radio transmission of pictures, which includes, analyzing a picture point for point in two sets of parallel lines each crossing the other and each'set extending diagonally across the picture surface, .continually and alternately changing from one direction of analyzing to the other, influencing a light sensitive element in accordance with the color intensity .of the picture surface for each analyzing direction, and transmitting energy varied in accordance with the color intcnsitv of each point of said picture, whereby energy corresponding to each the color intensity of each point in said picture is twice transmitted at spaced intervals of time.

7. The method of transmitting pictures, which comprises, progressively subjecting each point of said picture to a light ray, di-

rectin'g the reflected light from said picture as parallel light beams to a light sensitive medium, whereby the distance of the point of illumination of the picture from the sensitive medium 'is without effect and varying the energy output of a transmitting system in accordance with the intensity of said reflected light reaching said light sensitive medium."

8. The method of transmitting. pictures, which includes, scanning the picture point for point alternately in lines in two directions bearing an angular relationship one with the other and crossing each other at predeter mined points, and continuously advancing the picture with respect to said scanning medium, whereby the picture is scanned in two series of parallel lines, each bearing an angular relationship one with the other and intersecting each other in such a manner that one diagonal line intersects the previous line at approximately its mid-point and preceding lines'at varying points from the midpoint to the edge of the picture surface.

9. The method of avoiding the effects of static and fading of signals in the radio transmission of pictures, which includes, scanning the picture with a beam of light point for point in a line diagonally across the picture surface in one direction, again scanning the picture point for point at a later period of time with a light beam in a second direction bearing an angular relationship to said first named direction of scanning and crossing said first line of scanning, directing from said picture reflected beams of light varying in intensity in accordance with the intensity of light and shade in said picture as parallel beams of light, influencing a light sensitive medium by said reflected parallel beams of light, and varying the energy output of a transmitting-system in accordance with the intensity of said parallelly directed light beams reachin said light sensitive medium. 10. The method of avoiding the effects of static and fading of signals in the radio transmission of pictures, whichincludes, scanning a picture with a beam of light point for point in a line in one direction across the picture surface, again scanning the picture point for point at a later period of time with a light beam in a line in a second direction bearing an angular relationship to said first direction of scanning and crossing said first named path at approximately its mid-point, directingfrom said picture reflected beams of light means for scanning the said picture line for line diagonally in another direction bearing an angular relationship to said first direction and crossing said first named scanning path, and means for continually changing from one direction of scanning to the other at the completion of each separate line of scanning. 12. An apparatus for transmission of pietures, which includes, means for scanning a picture line for line diagonally in one direction, means for scanningthe said picture diagonally in a direction bearing an angular relationship to said first named direction and crossing said first line, means for successively and continually changing from one scanning path to the other after each separate line of scanning, and means for continuously ads direction bearing angular relationship to said first named direction of scanning and crossing the previous scanning path at ap-- second light adapted to move in said other direction across said picture at a later period of time, and means for continuously advancing said picture with respect to said scanning means.

14. In an apparatus for transmitting pictures, including, means for scanning a pic-'- ture diagonally across the picture surface in one direction, a second means for scanning the picture diagonally across the picture surface in theopposite direction and crossing said first named direction of scanning, means for continuously advancing said picture with respect to said scanning means, and means provided by said continuous advance for subj ecting each point in said picture to scanning in each of said directions.

15. In an apparatus for transmitting pictures, means for scanning a picture diagonally in one direction, means for scanning said picture diagonally in the opposite direction, a plurality of lens systems associated with each of said scanning means, and a light sensitive medium alternately influenced by the action of each of said scanning means upon said picture.

16. In an apparatus for transmitting pictures, means including a moving source of light for scanning a picture in one direction, a second means including a moving source of light associated with said first named means for scanning said picture in a direction bearing an angular relationship to said first named direction of scanning, a lens system associated with each of said light sources for directing reflected light from said picture to a light sensitive medium, and means for continuously advancing said picture with respect to said light sources, whereby parallel paths of said picture are exposed to said light.

17. In an apparatus for transmittting pictures, means for alternately scanning a picture first in one direction and at a later period of time scanning said picture in a direction bearing an angular relationship to saidfirst named direction, said scanning means including a rotary light source adapted to assume both a rotary and transverse movement with respect to said picture and means for continuously advancing the picture with respect to said scanning means, whereby said picture is alternately scanned in a plurality of parallel paths bearing-an angular relationship with respect to each other.

18. In an apparatus for transmitting pictures, a scanning means for scanning a picture first in one direction and at a later period of time scanning said picture in direction bearing an angular relationship to said first vnamed direction of scanning and crossing -said first dlrectlon, said scanning means 1nenergy transmitted in a radio transmitter in accordance with the intensity of light and shade in said picture. v

19. A picture transmitting apparatus, including, means for analyzing a picture along a path diagonal of said picture, means for analyzing the picture at a later period of time along a path in a direction bearing an angular relationship to said first named direction and crossing said first named path in approximately the central portion of said picture, whereby each point of said picture is twice subjected to an analyzing source of light, and means for twice subjecting a transmitting apparatus to variations in energy produced by changes in light intensity of successive points in said picture.

20. Apparatus for transmission or pictures, including, a support for said pictures, said supportbeing providedwith apluralityof slots arranged at an angle to each other, means associated with said support for continuously advancing said picture with respect thereto, a scanning means beneath said support, said scanning means being provided with a plurality of sources of light arranged at diametrically opposite points thereon, means for advancing said scanning 'means to trace a path corresponding to the slots in said support, means associated with said scanning means for projecting a reflected beam of light from said picture as influenced by said light source to a light sensitive medium as parallel beams of light, and means provided by said light sensitive medium for varying the energy transmitted from a radio transmitter in accordance with the color intensity of said picture as determined by said reflected light beams.

21. An apparatus for transmitting pictures, including, a semi-circular picture supporting surface, said surface being provided with a plurality of slots arranged at an angle to each other, means associated with said support surface for continuously advancing a picture with respect thereto, a rotary cylinder driven at a considerably advanced speed from said picture driven mechanism, a light pick-up head mounted upon said rotary cylinder and adapted to assume a rotary motion thereupon, means for advancing said rotary light pick-up head longitudinally of said cylinder in conjunction with said rotary movement, a light'source mounted upon said rotary light pick-up head, said light source being adapted to trace a path beneath said picture support which corresponds to the angle of the slots in said support member, a lens system associated with said light pickup head and light source, said lens system being adapted to direct reflected beams of light from said picture to a light sensitive medium whereby a transmitting apparatus has its output energy varied in proportion to the relative changes in color intensity of successive points in said picture.

22. Apparatus for transmission of pictures, including, a support for said pictures, said support being provided with a plurality of slots arranged at an angle to each other, means associated with said support for continuously advancing said picture with respect thereto, a scanning means beneath said support, said scanning means being provided with a plurality of sources of light, means 7 for advancing saidscanning means to trace a path corresponding to the slots in said support, a photo cell, means associated with said scanning means forv projecting a reflected beam of light from said picture as influenced by said light source to said photo cell as paral lel beams of light, and means provided by said'photo cell for Varying the energy transmitted from a radio transmitter n accordance with variations in the color intenslty of 'successive'points in said picture, said variations being directly proportional to the intensity of said reflected light beams.

23. In an apparatus for transmitting pictures, a rotary light pick-up head adapted to assume a transverse motion with respect to the plane of a picture, a source of low intensity light mounted upon said light pick-up head, said source oflight being adapted to trace a path diagonally across said picture, a second source of low intensity light associated with said light pick-up head, said second source of light being adapted to assumea diagonal motion at an angle to said first nar'ned light path-across said-picture, means for continuously advancing saidpicture with respect to the path of travel of said light source across said picture, and means for projecting reflected light from said picture to a light sensitive medium as parallel rays of light, whereby said medium is unaffected by changes in distance between said light source and said light sensitive medium.

24:. In an apparatus for transmitting pictures, a rotary light pick-up head adapted to assume a transverse motion with respect to the plane of. a picture, an annular source of low intensity light mounted upon said light pick-up head, means for directing said source of light in a path diagonally across said picture, a second source of low intensity light associated with said light pick-up head, means for directing said second source of light across said picture in a diagonal path at an angle tosaid first named light path having its energy output varied in proportion to the'variations in intensity of said reflected light reaching said light sensitive medium.

25. In a picture transmitting apparatus, means iior scanning, a picture first in one direction and at a later period of time scanning the picture in adirection bearing an angular relationship to said first named direction, said scanning means including a source of light arranged to project itself directly beneath the picture and a lens system adapted to be influenced by the light reflected from said picture, means for continuously advancing said picture with, respect to said scanning means, whereby each of said scanning motionsis alternately repeated as a said scanning means including a source of light arranged to project itself directly beneath the picture and a lens system adapted to be influenced by the light reflected from said picture, and means associated with said lens system for varying the energytransmitted in accordance with the intensity of light and shade in said picture, said last named means being controlled by the amount of reflected light from said picture.

27. In a picture transmitting apparatus,

means for analyzing the intensity of light and shade in a picture first in one direction,

means for independently analyzing'the said picture at 'a later period of time in a direction earing an angular'relationship to said first named direction, said analyzing means including source of light arranged to succes-- sively project the light beams issuing there- -from-tea point directly beneath each point of said picture, and a lens system for directing the light reflected from said picture to a light sensitive means associated therewith,

whereby the energy transmitted is continu-' point for ously varied in accordance with the-intensity of light and shade in said picture.

28. In a picture transmitting apparatus, means for scanning a picture in one CllIGCilOIl, a second means independent of said first named means for scanning the picture at a later period of time in a direction bearing an angular rela'tionshipto said first named direction, said scanning means including an annular source of light arranged to pass directly beneath each point of said picture and to project the issuing lightas a point source thereon, and a lens system adapted to be influenced by the light reflected from said picture through said annular source of light, and means associated with said lens system for varying the energy transmitted in accordance with the intensity of light and shade in said picture, said last named means bein controlled by the amount of reflected light from said picture. i

29. The step in the method of transmitting pictures, which includes, twice scanning the picture point for point at the transmitter in scanning motions independent of each other, and coordinating at the receiver the results of the separate point for point scannings to twice subject each point of said transmitted picture to independent marking periods corresponding to the separate independent scanning periods.

30. A system for transmitting pictures, which includes, a plurality of scanning systems for analyzing a picture, for analyzing the point for point intensities of light and shade-in a picture surface in a plurality of different directions, means for continually advancing the picture surfacewith respect to said scanning means, means for alternately subjecting the picture to the action of each of said analyzing systems, and means for influencing a transmitter in accordance with the intensity of light and shade in said pic ture as determined by said analyzing systems.

31. The method of transmitting pictures, which includes, scanning a picture surface point in a line diagonally across the surface, scanning the picture point for point in a line diagonally across the picture and along a line intersecting said first named diagonal line, continually advancing the picture surface with respect to the scanning and continually repeating the scanning motions acrossthe surface of the picture in such manner that due to the advancement of the. picture surface the said picture is scanned in a plurality of diagonally intersecting paths each composed of separate linesextending parallel to each other.

32.. The method of transmitting pictures, which includes, scanning a picture surface point for point in a line diagonally across the surface, scanning the picture point for point in a line diagonally across the picture and I other.

33. The method of transmitting pictures, which includes, tracing a scanning path across a picture surface in a diagonal line from left to right, tracing a scanning path across the picture surface along a diagonal path from right to left and intersecting said first named left to right path at approximately its mid-point, continuously advancing the picture surface during the scanning-operation, continually repeating the scanning operations in the order previously set forth until the entire picture is scanned, and influencing a light sensitive medium in accordance with the variations in light and shade in the picture surface subjected to said scannm'g action.

34. The method of transmitting pictures, which includes, scanning a picture diagonally in a left to right direction, scanning the picture in a right to left diagonal. intersecting said first named path at approximately its mid-point, advancing the picture surface with respect to the scanning in a continuous manner, repeating the scanning action in the order above named and scanning theipicture for each repetition of the scanning action in a path parallel to the second previous path of the scanning motion, and influencing a light sensitive medium in accordance with the varying intensities of light and shade in the picture surface being scanned.

35. In a picture transmitting apparatus, a support surface for a picture tobe transmitted, means for continuously advancing a picture surface carried by said support surface,'a rotary light source mounted beneath said support surface, means for moving said light source during its rotational movement transversely of said sup port'surface for causing the light to trace across the supported picturea light path extending diagonally across the said picture in one direction, means for reversingthe transverse movement of the rotary light source at the end of saidfirst named diagonal motion and tracing a diagonal light path across the picture surface in the opposite direction and intersecting said first named path at approximately its midpoint, means provided by the continuity of said advance means for said picture surface and said transverse movement of said rotary light source for tracing a plurality of parallel paths diagonally across said picture surface, a light sensitive medium, means for influencing said light sensitive medium in accordance with the varying intensities of light and shade in said picture produced from'proportionate reflection of the light projected thereon by said rotary light source, and means for transmitting energy varied in accordance with the current Variations produced in said light sensitive medium by the varying intensities of light and shade in the said picture surface.

RICHARD HOWLAND RANGER. 

